Dear Little Sis,

I know we're not actually related, but it sure does feel like it. Since we met, we've been with each other every step of the way. Every crush, every break up, every final exam, every awards ceremony, graduation, birthday. You name it, we've been there for each other. And through all those experiences, I've been able to watch you grow up. I've been able to see you transform from an awkward, shy little girl into a beautiful, confident, independent young woman. I'm so proud of you, and I always will be.

I can't believe you're leaving for college so soon. I want to believe you're always going to be that little girl who asks me to drive to McDonald's to buy you an ice cream cone because it's only $1. I want you to come ask me three days before your Algebra II final how to do everything because you didn't do any work for that class all year. I want to buy you Christmas presents and expect nothing in return because you're too young to work. I want you to call and ask me to walk you on the field for your Senior Day game even though kids usually have their mom do it. I want you to ask me every weekend if I'm coming home so we can hang out.

In a few days, you're going to start a new chapter of your life. You're going to make new friends and have new experiences that I won't be a part of. But I sure will be on the other end of the phone every time your roommate touches your stuff or every time a boy thinks he's good enough for you - and I promise you he won't be. I'll be the first person to ask you when your breaks are and the last person to say goodbye when you go back to school.

Remember that I'll always be there for you. You may be getting older and more mature, but that's no reason not to ask for advice. No matter how many times I have to say "I told you so," I will never get tired of giving you advice that you probably won't listen to. You never have to go through anything alone as long as I'm here.

What I'm trying to say is that I'm going to miss you. I already feel like I don't see you enough since I've gone away to college, and I know we'll see each other even less when you leave. But that in no way means that we won't stay as close as we've always been. I'll still buy you ice cream. I'll still try to help you with school work. I'll still get you Christmas presents. Nothing will ever change the fact you're my best friend. Scratch that, you're my sister.

Love,

Your Big Sis